Understanding the Prepared Environment

Primary Level (Preschool)

Practical life activities enhance the development of task organization and cognitive order through care of self, care of the environment, coordination of movement and exercises of grace and courtesy.

Sensorial activities enable children to order, classify, and describe sensory impressions in relation to length, width, temperature, mass, color and other measurements of the world.

Mathematics makes use of manipulative materials to enable children to internalize concepts of number, symbol, sequence, operations, and memorization of basic facts. Using self-correcting materials, children learn not only number recognition and place value, but also problem solving and development of a visual image of mathematical concepts.

Language arts include spoken language development, written expression, reading, the study of grammar, creative dramatics, and literature. Basic skills in writing and reading are developed through the use of sandpaper letters, the movable alphabet, and vocabulary enrichment activities, which allow children to link sound and letter symbols effortlessly and to express their thoughts through writing.

Cultural activities guide the children to explore the basics in geography, history, and life sciences. Art, music and movement education and cultural immersion for Spanish language are part of the integrated cultural curriculum.

The Primary environment is designed to support the social, physical, and cognitive skills of each child. Its important task is to provide students with an early foundation that includes:

a positive attitude toward learning

inner trust and confidence

a sense of order

pride in the physical environment

an abiding curiosity

a habit of concentration

the ability to make decisions

self-discipline

a sense of responsibility to other members of the class, school, and community

This foundation supports the continuum of learning, which will enable students to acquire more specialized knowledge and skills throughout their school career. Children learn together in the mixed-age community. A three-year cycle enables the teacher to build a rich relationship with each child and their family.